Whitby Town’s new-look side ended Ilkeston’s 100 per cent run and made it two wins from three with a dominant home display, thanks to goals from Joey Phuthi and Stuart Rose yesterday.
Blues skipper Rose had the ball in the Robins’ net inside three minutes only for the referee to spot a foul from the former Boro Rangers man.
Soon after, Rose shot on the turn straight at Ilkeston keeper Theo Avery. James Dillon then glanced a header over the top.
The Seasiders were forced into a 20th-minute change when left wing-back Stan Hewitt limped off to be replaced by Lucas Reed. Midfielder Mo Gashi lashed wide first-time from distance as the Blues remained on top. At the other end, Jevin Seaton rounded Jack Norton but fired into the side netting.
Six minutes into the second half, Rose struck straight at Avery. However, the visiting keeper couldn’t hold Phuthi’s effort, two minutes later. Gashi headed into the Zimbabwean’s path and he slammed home early, with Avery getting a touch but only able to watch the ball roll over the goal line.
The pair then combined in reverse as Phuthi set up Gashi who headed over the right wing-back’s cross.
Norton saved well one-on-one from Seaton with his right foot to preserve the hosts’ advantage.
Seaton then headed wide before Whitby had a penalty after Sam Kay was tripped. Rose stepped up and sent Avery the wrong way to double the Blues’ lead.
Rose cut in but clipped into Avery’s hands soon after.
Pharrell Johnson could only find the side netting for Ilkeston with Leon Gibson-Booth doing well to keep out Ash Hunter’s effort to keep it at 2-0.
Changes from the bench helped maintain the momentum, with Jack Kilpatrick introduced for Rose for the final ten minutes. The substitute almost made an immediate impact, finding himself with a golden opportunity inside the area two minutes from time, but he was unable to make clean contact with the ball.
Whitby held on for all three points and a clean-sheet.
Following the game, Stuart Rose told The Anchor it was a great bounce back from Tuesday’s 2-0 loss to Guiseley.
He said: “Unbelievable response. I had no doubt we would respond in that manner. The boys knew what was needed, we just had to implement it.”
Rose said he was disappointed to see his early strike chalked off. but was delighted to score from the penalty spot later in the game:
He added: “I had to wait as I was judged to have fouled the lad in the build up after 10 minutes. I think 80 per cent of people and the assessor in the ground know he has got it wrong but we have to just push on.
“The main thing is the result, a brilliant clean sheet, and something for the fans to cheer about. My goal is a bonus and I’m hoping its the first of many at The Turnbull.”
Whitby will take on Ashton United in an away tie on Tuesday.
Attendance: 478.
